“How is the last pick of the sixth round someone who NEEDS to succeed in Year 1?” Filice opines. “Well, he’s a kicker on a contender. And with the release of Brandon McManus — Green Bay’s primary kicker for the last two seasons — the Pack are turning to Smack. Given how last season ended, with McManus missing two field goals and an extra point in a soul-crushing four-point loss at Chicago on Wild Card Weekend, the only kicker selected in this year’s draft heads into his rookie season in the Titletown spotlight.
“The name packs WWE flare, but how’s the leg? Plenty powerful, seeing how he set a program record at Florida with 10 career field goals of 50-plus yards. Kicking in the sun-soaked Swamp is obviously different than performing the duty on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, but Smack was born and raised in Maryland, so at least he’s familiar with the concept of winter.”
Green Bay may need to manufacture wins this season, rather than run away and hide from opponents, and that could put the heat squarely on Smack to deliver immediately.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin